Chinese President extols President Lungu’s leadership

The Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he will work with President Lungu to take the implementation of the consensus and outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Johannesburg Summit held in December 2015, as an opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations between Zambia and China to greater heights.
And the Chinese President has expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the government and the people of the Republic of Zambia will make new and greater achievements in national development.
President Xi said this in a congratulatory message to President Lungu on his re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia in the August 11 general election.
President Xi says the Chinese government attaches great importance to the China-Zambia traditional friendship and the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Chinese President says he is pleased that the two leaders met twice last year during President Lungu’s State Visit to China in March, 2015 and the December FOCAC Johannesburg Summit where important consensus was reached on deepening bilateral political mutual trust, friendly and mutually- beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
“I learned with great pleasure the news of your re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia. On behalf of the government and people of China, and in my own name, I would like to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and best wishes. I wish Your Excellency, every success in your high office,” President Xi said.
Last week, a Spokesperson of the Chinese Department of Foreign Affairs recognised the re-election of President Lungu as a legitimate expression of the will of the people.

Issued by: AMOS CHANDA SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT (PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS) STATE HOUSE